Viber CEO Eyal to lead app to fintech category

• Priority to improve user experience with Viber's own digital wallet and other features enhancement

The new Chief Executive Officer of Rakuten Viber, Ofir Eyal, is bringing the popular communications app to the fintech category as it’s determined to offer users more than its core messaging and calling features, a critical move to fulfil its vision of becoming a super app. Viber is set to roll out the in-app Payments service, allowing users to create a digital wallet within the platform. Payment wallets can be linked to bank accounts as well as Visa and Mastercard to transfer money to other individuals, buy products, and pay bills. Viber will first introduce peer-to-peer transfers, which will be available to users for free.  The service will be available in Germany and Greece later this summer, during the first period,  Viber will gather user feedback necessary to further improve the product before launching in additional markets. "In my role as CEO, I am honoured to lead and be part of a highly-driven team in Rakuten Viber as we pursue the company’s vision and mission in the face of impending challenges. In addition, we would like to keep Viber's high standards and innovative spirit when it comes to operating and enhancing the app to improve the user experience and ultimately, become a super app. I will always appreciate and be grateful to employees who are part of the journey to make Viber become what it is today," Eyal said. "I clearly define my role and mission in serving both the organisation and our users. This journey can be challenging but Viber  and I are more committed than ever to deliver on our technology promise.” Viber’s CEO, who stepped into the role in August last year, has made significant contributions to growing and bringing Viber closer to users throughout the journey of his more than 7-year tenure with the company. During this time, his responsibilities as Rakuten Viber's Vice President of Product before being promoted to Chief Operating Officer, include focusing on user experience, customer success, content, and localisation. Recently, Viber's ongoing advancements have provided features to help maximize the user experience in both business and entertainment, together with encouraging users to communicate with each other. Now occupying Viber’s highest post, Eyal oversees the implementation of the company’s ambitious product development and market expansion efforts. Meanwhile, he looks for new business opportunities as the company continues to distinguish itself as a global industry leader. APAC is currently one of Viber's highest-growth regions. It grows over 20% annually and continues to innovate partnerships and projects unique to the region. Viber continues to invest in the Asia Pacific region and is set to rapidly grow its user base by producing more country-specific partnerships, localising strategies and offerings, and providing more benefits to Viber users. In Nepal, Viber remains one of the most eminent and trusted communication platforms, with 38% growth in group chats, 26% in messages in the group sent and 39% in community viewers. The app has garnered the loyalty and trust of individual users, including big and small businesses, and educational institutions. During the pandemic, small and local businesses were severely impacted, witnessing a 20-50% decline in their overall earnings and to help these businesses revive from this downturn, Viber provided them with an opportunity by assisting them to go digital through the power of one-to-many (via Communities and Channels) and one-to-one conversational commerce (via private messaging after conversing in the community or channel. In addition, Rakuten Viber played a critical role by assisting schools and institutions in reinforcing education and learning. The app launched various leading channels on different streams. Likewise, recently in association with multiple schools, the team has also conducted an educational webinar where the participants were given in-depth instructions about Viber’s assistive features in educational and learning activities. With a clear direction on where he wants to take Viber next, Eyal's leadership is expected to sustain Viber’s continued growth in product and service development and expansion into new markets, as well as entrench Viber as a major and innovative player in the global messaging and app landscape. Rakuten Viber connects people. No matter who they are, or where they are from. The global user base has access to a range of features like one-on-one chats, video calls, group messaging, and updates and discussions with their favourite brands and celebrities. Viber ensures our users have a secure and free environment to share their emotions. Rakuten Viber is part of Rakuten Group, Inc., a world leader in e-commerce and financial services. It is the official instant messaging and calling app partner of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.